Sommelier-Beverage Manager

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATIONS:

• Clear criminal record and excellent employment track record;
• Fantastic personality and highly presentable appearance with excellent guest contact skills;
• Formal relevant qualification – diploma/degree/certificates etc. relating to vacancy/career field – e.g. Cape Wine Academy / International Wine Education Centre / WSET etc;
• 4 - 7 years’ relevant, high-end 5* experience as a Sommelier and / Beverage Supervisor/Manager;
• Extensive knowledge of top quality South African wines and other spirits / beverages such as Gin, Whiskey, Brandy etc;
• Excellent admin skills and computer knowledge of email, word and excel;
• Ability to deal comfortably with high net worth guests;
• Excellent with staff and training;
• An innovative individual who thinks ahead about creating awesome guest experiences;
• Must be of sober habits and be in good physical & mental health;
• A sharp eye for service detail is a key requirement;
• Willing and excited to live in the bush in a Big 5 safari environment;
• Previous international / regional experience / exposure – advantage;
• Previous experience / an understanding of working in a high end safari lodge environment – advantage;
• Valid drivers’ licence and own transport – advantage;
• Expats with a valid work permit in place / residency & a local bank account for RSA may also be considered

(Work permit must not be expiring before 2025)

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Manage all beverage and day-to-day operations within budgeted guidelines and to the highest standards;
• Preserve excellent levels of internal and external customer service;
• Maintain, update or create the wine and beverages lists in coordination with Chefs and Management;
• Host wine and other beverage tastings, and food and wine pairings etc;
• Advise guests on wines based on their personal tastes and food choices within the range available at the property – some of which can range anything between approximately R1,200 – R6, 000 per bottle;
• Inform and educate guests about different varieties of wines and other beverages available;
• Interaction with and occasional hosting of guests;
• Other general assistance around the property when your own primary duties for the day have been completed;
• Ensure wines are served at the right temperature and within the proper glassware;
• Store open bottles properly to maintain strong taste;
• Manage wine cellar and ensure there is always adequate stock; temperatures are correct, stock rotation etc;
• Potential training of staff with regards to beverage options etc;
• Negotiate purchase prices with vendors and upkeep of existing relationships;
• Ensuring all hygiene and safety protocol are followed according to industry standards;
• Ordering of stock, stock takes etc.

PACKAGE & WORK CYCLE:

• Competitive, market related salary (live in) negotiable based on experience, qualifications etc. ***
• Accommodation – own private room with air-con/heater, en-suite bathroom with shower, small lounge etc;
• Staff meals when on cycle / on duty;
• Uniform and shoes;
• Laundry facilities;
• UIF contribution;
• Wi-Fi;
• Annual salary review /any bonus/es are based on performance and at the discretion of the company;
• Split of general taxable gratuities left by guests;
• Emergency medical evacuation, medical support and response;
• Work cycle: Is 3 weeks on, 1 week off.

(Candidate must be flexible and open to change regarding operational requirements - any time owed back to you will be in time value)

***Please advise your gross salary expectation for a live in position upon application. You do not pay for accommodation, meals on cycle/duty, utilities – water, electricity, wi-fi etc. Your deductions are PAYE & UIF, and potentially gate entrance fees only when you re-enter the property which is seldom if/when you are on cycle.

Safari JOBS thanks you in advance for applying for this vacancy. Due to the high volume of applications expected for this position should you not hear from us within 7 working days kindly consider your application unsuccessful for this particular position but you are most welcome to apply for any other similar vacancies that may arise in the future.